Making a vacation of CA trip for Graduation

[lori_mom]

Planning to take several days ahead of Boot Camp Graduation for vacation in CA. Won't be til spring 2011 ( subject to the will of the USMC of course ) but starting to look for recommendations. We love Yellowstone, Wyoming, the UP, so would prefer the outdoor rather than Disney, Seaworld, etc. Love out of the way, little traveled spots to see, stay and eat. Willing to "rough it". Don't have to start at San Diego, but will finish up there. So, would love to get ideas, or places to find ideas. Thanks!

[gunga55]

you could check out northern CA i.e. the redwoods

[Dezi]

you should check out Morro Bay, Hearst Castle, and further up north Mount Shasta I highly recommend it.

[gunga55]

You will notice once you get farther south that the state turns into a Giant Trash Dump. I have literally seen less trash at a land fill than on the side of the freeway in LA.

[DOCWILLEY]

If you do wind up south with time to kill visit Julian,its an old gold town.Its at the top of Mt.Palomar which also has the worlds most powerfull telescope.If you feel really frisky cross the border and head for La Bufadora(the blowhole).Its breathtaking to stand at the top of the cliffs and watch the seas blast over your head due to a formation in the cliffs.We used to set up camp right there behind a lille cafe/bar named Gordos.Stop in Encinitas on the way back to the border...